Our Story
OUR STORY IS YOUR STORY
Thanks for checking us out. We think we are just like you – in search of the uncrowded wine tasting experience where you can taste the wines right at the vineyard they were grown in, talk to the winemakers, and enjoy some beautiful scenery and art. And of course taste some amazing wines.
That’s why we are committed to “Staying Small”!
We don’t think anyone really enjoys big crowds, especially when trying to relax. This certainly became evident after the last few years. Our hope is your experience here will make a lasting memory both during your visit and when you enjoy our wines back home. We want Potter’s Vineyard to be that kind of place.
Being very small also allows us (the winemakers) to talk to everyone as we strive to know your name and treat you just like we would want to be treated at a very small vineyard and tasting room.
Depending on your individual interests, we would love to talk with you about our LIVE Certified, Salmon Safe, Bee Friendly Farming, and Organic practices in the vineyard; or our uncompromising wine making practices; or even how we make our own art; or if you just want to relax on your own that’s great as well. Our real goal is to leave you with a memorable experience that brings you and your loved ones closer together!
Of course none of this would be possible if we didn’t make great wine. The wines from our vineyard have recently been scoring upwards of 95 points. And the critics have enjoyed them as well giving us high scores, Gold, Double Gold and recently Platinum Awards from the local competitions. All this from a winery that produces less than 1,000 cases annually.
Beautiful wines, vines and art in the gallery will make your visit enjoyable and relaxing.
Appointments are every 1 hour and 15 minutes from 11 – 5 pm and we give you lots to room for your stay. Please book your appointment today (by clicking Visit on the Home Page) – it will be great to see you again or for your very first visit. Thanks for your support.
BILL AND SANDY SANCHEZ | WINEMAKERS
“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark” Michelangelo.
Michelangelo has had a big influence on The Potter’s Vineyard. It was after a trip to Italy in 2011 when Bill and Sandy saw Michelangelo’s work one day and the next day were in the home of Italian winemakers. It was not ironic that the next year Bill and Sandy met Laura Volkman, who’s premier wine club was named the ‘Michelangelo’ or M-club.
A partnership was formed where Laura taught Bill the 1,000 steps of growing and making premium Pinot Noir wine…the outcome of which is ‘this place’ where you can relax in the vineyard, savor the tastes, and learn all about it during your visit here.
From Tigard, Oregon, Bill and Sandy purchased Laura Volkman’s estate vineyard in September, 2012. Bill brought his 35 year career in the nutritional sciences and Sandy provides the inspiration gained from her Italian heritage of good food and family dinners with wine made by her Grandfather. Their passion for handcrafted old-world style wines will be in every bottle made from this limited production, boutique vineyard. Bill and Sandy (and Terra) can’t wait to welcome you home.

Welcome from The Potter’s Vineyard Team.
Read about our team members below. Photo courtesy of Terra (gunning for the open Photographer position).
Art & Gretchen Roberts | Consultants
You probably remember seeing Art & Gretchen over the past decade. It was a very hectic day during our first harvest, when they told us “you need some help” and offered their help only if we made a Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The rest is history as they helped us farm, pick grapes, and make the wines. They were a permanent fixture at Potter’s Vineyard especially tasting and contributing their excellent palates to our wine making decisions. They have since moved out of state but their imprint remains on many of the wines and we are fortunate to retain them as consultants to the business.

MELINDA and ERIC SANCHEZ | TASTING ROOM and EVENT ASSOCIATES / HARVEST ASSISTANTS/TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
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Melinda and Eric are Bill and Sandy’s kids. Melinda is a huge help during harvest and is always there to help Bill with Spanish translations. She occasionally helps in the Tasting Room, during Events and is a key ‘volunteer’ during harvest.
Eric also helps with Events, during Harvest and is a key employee handling Technology Support. If you ever want help navigating the website, redeeming Loyalty Points or making a reservation he can help you personally. He is very patient helping his parents with computer issues and and is an expert at helping Grandma with paper jams in the printer.

TERRA | CHIEF GREETER and ENTERTAINER
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Terra is our newest employee “the greeter”. She is a Yellow English Labrador Retriever that has recently been promoted to chief greeter and entertainer. Please report back to us if she does NOT greet you at your car. She also loves entertaining people with her tricks. Ask Bill to help her show you her ‘roll over trick’ for a healthy treat. She is working on NOT stealing things from your purses or picnic baskets or eating all the blueberry’s from our tasting room garden but is still in training on those more challenging tasks.

CINDY KING | TASTING ROOM ASSOCIATE
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Cindy has been working as a tasting room associate for many years in the Willamette Valley. She learned all about our wines as a club member, and now can help you with Bill’s pop quiz questions. You might find her alone in the tasting room on those rare days that we are gone (she might open something special if you ask). Look for her at special events or on a quiet day when she is studying up on the nuances of our Barrel Select Estate Pinot Noir.

GREG RODENBURG | VINEYARD & WINERY ASSISTANT
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Greg has had a long standing presence at Potter’s. He started buying wine made by the original owners. He then became one of our first Founding Wine Club Members and has even presented during some of our events. He recently took on the job of Vineyard Assistant and after a couple of vintages doing that he has added on the role of cellar hand in the winery. He depicts the essence of our vineyard with his amazing work ethic and ability to take on any task to keep the vineyard grounds looking beautiful and the wines in the cellar healthy and well-cared for. You can find Greg mostly in the vineyard or winery, or in the tasting room enjoying a flight with his dear wife Fiora.

ELLEN LEITNER | TASTING ROOM ASSOCIATE
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Ellen is a wine lover that started pouring wine at several wineries in 2022. She is passionate about delivering a memorable wine tasting experience and love’s connecting with people.
Ellen is a true expert at making everyone feel at home. Her ultimate goal is to make your time here so enjoyable that you keep coming back. She is currently studying the different characteristics of the past vintages of our Dario Pinot Noir and promises to discover which one will be your favorite.

ALEX (PARYS) VARA | 2025 HARVEST INTERN
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Welcome Alex to the 2025 Vintage. Alex earned his Oenology and Viticulture degree at the University of Ensinda. He volunteered with us last year and we are lucky to have him back as an official intern to lend his skilled hands to add even more improvements to our wines.








